Zarah ChoudharyUnite Scotland has confirmed that around 350 members at the University of Strathclyde will be balloted on industrial action in reaction to potential pension changes.
The employees are part of the Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) and, according to the union, are at risk of losing thousands of pounds a year.
The University of Strathclyde proposed moving existing and future staff into a different superannuation scheme, which the union suggested was to allow it to access a pension surplus of nearly £100m.
According to Unite, the University of Strathclyde’s proposals would make around 1,100 workers worse off in retirement, using the drop in overseas students as the pretext.
Unite is aware of no other education institution that is part of the wider SPF proposing a similar detrimental move for staff.
Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “The decision by the University of Strathclyde to force through pension cuts will be resisted.
“Strike action in defence of our members’ pensions is now firmly on the cards, and make no mistake Unite will do everything to get this disgraceful decision binned.
“We make no apologies for standing up for our members.”
Unite said that average pay had also gone down by £7,400 in real terms since 2019.
In contrast, the principal and vice-chancellor professor Sir Jim McDonald made £401,000 in 2023, with a further £13m divided up between the university executive team.
The industrial action ballot opens today (16th January) and closes on 10th February.
The staff involved in the ballot include technicians, cleaners, security and estates staff such as plumbers, joiners and electricians.
Unite said that the University of Strathclyde made an overall surplus of £46.8m in 2023 from an income of £487.4m.
The university has substantial reserves holding net assets of £402.9m in 2023, up from £304.6m in 2019 and an additional £142.7m in cash.
Alison MacLean, regional coordinating officer at Unite, said: “The University of Strathclyde is attempting to force through detrimental pension changes despite having a significant pension surplus of £100m.
“The pension changes could leave some workers thousands of pounds worse off every year.”
“It is a reckless cash grab on a pension surplus that our members have funded to allow the university to improve its short term financial position.
“Instead, there are a range of options available including assessing the university property portfolio and tackling eye-watering executive pay.”
“Unite will fight this inch by inch and through prolonged industrial action if necessary.”
Workplace Journal reached out to the University of Strathclyde for comment prior to publication.
